Bath time can be a great way to bond with a wriggly, slippery newborn. Of course, you want a clean child – but for babies and toddlers, the bath is like a personal water park… complete with games, bubbles, and toys galore!
Although bath time can be a fun and relaxing experience for babies and toddlers, it can be a challenge for parents and caregivers. Therefore, we have pulled together our top tips and tricks on how you can make bath time enjoyable for both yourself and your little one.
Make bath time a routine
Having a bath time routine can make a big difference in how comfortable and relaxed toddlers feel. When they know what to expect each night, it can help them to feel more secure and less anxious. Plus, taking a warm bath can be really soothing and calming, which can help them unwind and get ready for bed. When you make bath time part of their regular bedtime routine, it sends a signal that it's time to wind down and get ready for sleep.
Read more: Cognitive and Emotional Benefits of Bath Time
Choose bath toys
Babies and toddlers love to play with toys, and bath time is no exception. Choose toys that are safe for water play and will keep your child entertained. Plus, they can explore and learn while they play in the water. At Shnuggle, we have just launched a set of four silicone stacking bath boat toys for lots of imaginative play at bath time from baby to toddler and beyond. Created for little hands, the soft silicone boats can be easily picked up and gripped for play… and can be used anywhere - not just the bath!
Use bubbles in the bath
Adding bubbles to the bath can make bath time more fun for little ones in a few different ways! It provides a fun sensory experience for babies and toddlers to enjoy, with lots of bubbles to look at and touch. Plus, it can inspire imaginative play, with kids pretending they’re swimming in a sea of bubbles or even making funny bubble ‘bears’. And best of all, it can help them relax and unwind in the warm water.
Look for bubble bath products that are gentle on their skin and free from harsh chemicals. We’d recommend using Little Butterfly top to toe wash which helps cleanse both body and hair, while also creating a delicately foaming bath for little one’s delicate skin.
Sing songs in the bath
Singing songs in the bath can make bath time a lot more fun for your little one! It’s a great way to bond with them while they enjoy the warm water and bubbles. If your child isn’t a fan of bath time, singing can be a fun distraction that takes their mind off any discomfort. Plus, singing is an excellent way to help your child learn new words and develop their language skills. And let’s not forget, it’s just plain fun to sing silly songs or their favourite nursery rhymes in the bath! Overall, singing songs in the bath is a playful and enjoyable way to spend quality time with your little one.
Make bath time a sensory experience
Bath time is a great opportunity to engage your child’s senses. Add different textures, such as the Shnuggle Bamboo Wash Cloth, or the Washy Bath Jug to create a fun experience for your little one. The Shnuggle Wishy Bath Toy is another great suggestion as it has a soft light and texture that helps to support newborn sensory development. With three parts to pull apart, play and connect - the Shnuggle Wishy Bath Toy is the perfect bath toy to support coordination and play as your baby grows.
Try bath books
Bath books are special books that you can read to your child while they’re in the bath or shower. They’re made from materials that are water-resistant, like plastic or rubber, so they won’t get damaged when exposed to water. These books typically have colourful illustrations and simple, easy-to-understand text that’s perfect for your baby or toddler. Bath books are a fantastic way to make bath time more fun and educational for your little one. They can help them to develop early literacy skills and inspire a love of reading. Plus, they’re super easy to clean and sanitise, which makes them perfect for use in the bath. Choose ones that match the scene, such as tales about ocean creatures, boats or mermaids.
Splash — a lot!
Face it, the best fun in the bath is splashing your hands, kicking your legs and shrieking all over the house, so everyone knows your little one is having the best time. But not only that, splashing offers some great benefits:
- Sensory stimulation - The feeling of splashing in the water can be really exciting and help to stimulate your little one’s senses. It can also help them to learn about cause and effect, and improve their hand-eye coordination.
- Exercise - As a low-impact exercise, splashing can actually help your child to build strength and improve their motor skills. It’s also perfect for helping them to burn off some energy.
- Emotional regulation - Especially for your toddlers, splashing around in the water can be a good way for them to release any pent-up energy and emotions. It can be a fun and safe way for them to let out some feelings and reduce stress.
- Bonding time - As a fun and interactive way to spend time together, splashing in the bath can make for a wonderful bonding opportunity between you and your child.
Offer a reward after bath time!
If your child is still hesitant about bath time, rewarding your baby or toddler afterwards can be a great way to create positive associations with the activity and make it more enjoyable for them. Bath time rewards can include:
- Cosy snuggles - After bath time, wrap your little one in a warm, fluffy towel and snuggle with them for a few minutes. This can help them feel calm and safe after water play.
- Story time - Reading a favourite storybook or two after bath time can be a fun way to relax and get ready for bedtime.
- Playtime - If your child still has some energy after bath time, you could have a little playtime with them, whether it’s with bath toys, building blocks, or puzzles.
- Special treat - A healthy snack or warm milk can be a nice treat after bath time. Just make sure it’s something your child will enjoy and that won’t interfere with their sleep.
Whatever reward you choose, make sure it’s something positive and reinforces good associations with bath time. And remember, it’s important to avoid any negative associations, such as threatening to take away the reward if they don’t cooperate during bath time.
Remember, keep bath time safe
While it’s important to make bath time fun, safety should always be a top priority. Never leave your child unattended in the tub, and always use a non-slip mat to prevent slips and falls.
In conclusion, bath time can be a fun and enjoyable experience for both parents and their little ones. By following these tips and tricks, you can make bath time a special and memorable part of your daily routine.
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